Decorative display

ABSTRACT

A frame is provided for holding a sheet of fabric. The frame features a rail including a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rail defines a connector extending an entire length of the rail between the first flange and the second flange.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a frame for holding a sheetof fabric.

BACKGROUND

False ceilings can be used in entertainment halls, exhibition halls, andother buildings (e.g., commercial office buildings) to cover unsightlystructural ceilings that often include exposed structures such as beams,trusses, electrical and hydraulic components, and HVAC ducts. Such falseceilings can include frames designed to hold panels below structuralceilings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention provides a frame for holding a sheet of fabric.The frame can be used as a component of a false ceiling, though theframe can also be used in another environment such as a display in aconvention hall. In one example, the frame features a rail including afirst flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The raildefines a first connector extending an entire length of the rail betweenthe first flange and second flange.

In another example, a decorative display panel includes a rail and anedge cover snap-fit to the rail. The rail includes a first flange, asecond flange spaced from the first flange, and a first connectorbetween the first flange and the second flange. An edge cover issnap-fit to the first connector.

In another example, a false ceiling includes a rail defining a firstflange, a second flange spaced from the first flange, and a firstconnector between the first flange and the second flange. A first sheetis connected to the first flange and a second sheet is connected to thesecond flange. An edge cover defines a second connector, and the secondconnector is engaged with the first connector.

A frame according to the invention can offer fast and easy installationof a false ceiling or a decorative display. Moreover, among otheradvantages, a frame according to the invention can allow an edge coverto be coupled to a rail for improved aesthetics by concealing aconnection between a sheet of fabric and the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded partial perspective view of an example of a falseceiling;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the false ceiling of FIG. 1 along line A-A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a decorative displayattached to a truss below a structural ceiling;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a closed-loop frame;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross section view of the frame of FIG. 4 takenalong line B-B;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded, partial cut-away view of a decorativedisplay;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial perspective views of a closed and an openclamp, respectively, coupled to a rail of the frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a connecting beam;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two frames attached using connectingbeams;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a dual-sided decorative displayarranged vertically; and

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of two rails attached with anL-shaped connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of a frame according to the invention are discussed inreference to FIGS. 1-11. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a frame 102 used as acomponent of a false ceiling 100. The frame 102 can be secured to atruss 12 or other structure in order to conceal piping, ductwork,trusses 12, and other structures beneath a structural ceiling. The frame102 can include a rail 104 and an edge cover 106. In addition to theframe 102, the false ceiling 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can includefirst and second sheets of fabric 108 and 110 and a clamp 70. Also,while the frame 102 shown in FIG. 1 includes a single linear rail 104, aframe can also include multiple rails 104 arranged in a closed-loop,such as a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 4 or a circular shape, orinclude a curvilinear or polygonal rail.

The rail 104 as shown in FIG. 2 includes a first flange 112 and a secondflange 114. The flanges 112 and 114 each include a first or outersurface 112 a and 114 a, respectively, and a second or inner surface 112b and 114 b, respectively. The flanges 112 and 114 can be obliquelyangled as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, though the flanges 112 and 114 canalternatively be angled differently from shown. For example, a rail 104can include a pair of parallel flanges. The specific geometry of theflanges 112 and 114 can depend on, for example, the weight of the fabricsheets 108 and 110 and the type of connection between the flanges 112and 114 and the sheets 108 and 110, respectively, among otherconsiderations. For example, the size of the flanges 112 and 114 can bea function of the weight of the sheets 108 and 110 to ensure the innersurfaces 112 b and 114 b provides large enough areas for attaching thesheets 108 and 110 to the rail 104.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first connector, illustrated as aribbed projection 116, extends outwardly from the rail 104 between theflanges 112 and 114 such that the flanges 112 and 114 and ribbedprojection 116 define a generally W-shaped groove 118 extending inwardbetween the flanges 112 and 114. The ribbed projection 116 can extend alength of the rail 104, e.g., the rail 104 and projection 116 can beintegrally formed by extruding metal stock. However, the rail 104 canalternatively include multiple discrete ribbed projections. While shownwith three pairs of ribs, the projection 116 can alternatively includemore or fewer ribs. Alternatively, the first connector can have adifferent structure, such as a groove formed in the rail 104 between theflanges 112 and 114. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the ribbed projection 116can facilitate a quick snap-fit connection and disconnection of the edgecover 106 to the rail 104. As a result, the edge cover 106 can easilyand quickly be installed or disengaged from the rail 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, the rail 104 can also define two componentconnecting channels 120 and 122 for connecting accessories such as theclamp 70 or a connecting beam 82 (described below in reference to FIG.8). The channels 120 and 122 can be formed with opposing pairs ofL-shaped extensions 120 a and 120 b and 122 a and 122 b, respectively,as illustrated. However, other component connecting structures can havealternative geometries to the illustrated channels 120 and 122. Forexample, a flange or a series of holes designed to accept screws can beincluded instead of one of the channels 120 and 122. As illustrated, onechannel 120 can be located opposite the W-shape groove 118, with thechannel 120 opening in the opposite direction as the groove 118 opens.The other channel 122 can be located along the rail 104 between theW-shaped groove 118 and the channel 120, and the channel 122 can open ina direction perpendicular to the openings of the groove 118 and channel120. Instead of two channels 120 and 122, no channels, one channel, ormore than two channels can be included if desired. For example, a thirdchannel can be included on an opposing side of the rail 104 from thechannel 122.

The clamp 70 can be engaged with one of the channels 120 or 122 tosecure the rail to the truss 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The clamp isdiscussed in greater detail below in reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The false ceiling 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes the firstdecorative sheet 108 and the second decorative sheet 110 connected tothe rail 104. However, in some instances (e.g., if the rail 104 ispositioned at an edge of the false ceiling 100) only one sheet 108 or110 may be used. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first sheet 108 caninclude an edge 108 a folded to form an oblique angle to be aligned withthe flange 112. The edge 108 a can be secured to the inner surface 112 bof the flange 112, and the second sheet 110 can similarly include anedge 110 a folded to be inline with the other flange 114 and secured toits inner surface 114 b.

To secure the sheets 108 and 110 to the rail 104, a fabric attachingstructure such as strips of hook-and-loop tape 124 a can be attached tothe inner sides 112 b and 114 b of the flanges 112 and 114,respectively, and corresponding strips of hook-and-loop tape 124 b canbe attached to folded edges 108 a and 110 a of the first and secondsheets 108 and 110, respectively, as best shown in FIG. 1.Alternatively, other types of fabric attaching structures such as clips,snaps, adhesive, or double-sided tape can be used to connect the sheets108 and 110 to the rail 104. Alternatively, the edges 108 a and 110 acan be attached to another portion of the frame 102. When configured asthe false ceiling 100, the sheets 108 and 110 can be in tension so as tobe substantially co-planar (i.e., sufficiently co-planar to meetconsumers' aesthetic requirements) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The sheets 108 and 110 can be synthetic fabric, soft fabrics, vinyl,cotton, wool, leather, a blend, or another material suitable for theapplication. For example, the sheets 108 and 110 can be a fabric that iscertified fire-retardant by a fire marshal when required by localbuilding codes. Outer sides 108 b and 110 b of the sheets 108 and 110,respectively, can include graphics such as printed digital images of acompany logo and/or product images, or be textured. The sheets 108 and110 can be selected for their appearance, weight, sound dampeningcapabilities, fire retardant qualities, or other qualities. For example,the sheets 108 and 110 can be selected based on their compatibility withrear lighting.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate an example of the edge cover 106 includinga decorative surface 106 a and prongs 126 projecting from the opposingside of the cover 106 from the decorative surface 106 a. The decorativesurface 106 a can match the outside surfaces 108 b and 110 b of thesheets 108 and 110. The prongs 126 define a groove 128. The groove 128can be sized for snap-fit engagement with the ribbed projection 34(i.e., the distance between the prongs 126 can be slightly greater thana maximum width of the ribbed projection 34), and each prong 126 caninclude a boss 130 for engagement with the projection 34. The cover 106can be shaped to conceal the W-shaped groove 118 defined by the rail104, for example by including edges 132 chamfered at an anglecorresponding to the angle of the inner surfaces 112 b and 114 b of theflanges 112 and 114 and by sizing the edge cover 106 such that thedecorative surface 106 a spans a distance between the flanges 112 and114. As a result, the edge cover 106 can conceal the folded edges 108 aand 110 a of the first and second decorative sheets 108 and 110,respectively, when connected to the rail 104. The edge cover 106 can beformed by, as examples, molding light weight plastic or extruding metalstock.

The edge cover 106 can be installed by urging the ribbed projection 116between the prongs 126 for a snap-fit connection. When used herein, theterms “snap-fit connection” and “snap-fit engagement” refer to aself-locking connection of mating parts in which at least one of theparts flexes until the part slips past another part, thereby preventingunforced separation of the mating parts. When installed, portions of theedges 132 of the edge cover 106 can abut the sheets 108 and 110, and thedecorative surface 106 a can be generally parallel and nearly flush withboth sheets 108 and 110.

In operation, the rail 104 can be attached to the truss 12 or anotherstructure beneath a structural ceiling using the clamp 70 engaged withthe channel 120 or using other means (as examples, bolting the rail 104to the truss 12 or welding the rail 104 to the truss 12). Fabric sheets108 and 110 can be attached to the insides 112 b and 114 b of theflanges 112 and 114. Other edges of the fabric sheets 108 and 110 can beattached to other rails 104 or other structures. The edge cover 106 canbe snap-fit into engagement with the ribbed projection 116 to concealthe edges 108 a and 110 a of the fabric sheets 108 and 110. Thus, theedge cover 106 can create a seamless appearance between the sheets 108and 110.

Additionally, a rail having the same cross-section shape as the rail 104can be used for a variety of purposes other than as part of the falseceiling 100. For example, FIG. 3 shows a decorative display 10 securedto the truss 12, which is suspended beneath a ceiling 14. The decorativedisplay 10 can include a decorative sheet 46 used as a medium fordisplaying an image, a texture, or a message. The decorative display 10can be used in a variety of environments such as convention centers andoffice buildings. As an additional example, the decorative display 10can be placed on the side of a truck for advertising purposes. Thedisplay 10 can be used for multiple purposes, such as improvedaesthetics, advertising, sound dampening, and providing information.

The decorative display 10 as shown in FIG. 3 includes the firstdecorative sheet 46 connected to a frame 16 shown in FIG. 4 defining afirst display area 42 and having a perimeter 44. The illustratedclosed-loop frame 16 includes four rails 18 arranged in a rectangleformation. However, the frame 16 can have a non-rectangular shape. Forexample, the frame 16 can be circular, triangular, or polygonal.Depending on the shape of the frame 16, a greater or lesser number ofrails 18 may be necessary. A circular frame can be formed of twosemi-circular rails, for example, or a linear frame can include just onerail. Also, the frame 16 need not form a closed-loop (i.e., theperimeter 44 need not be continuous). For example, the frame 16 can belinear, with a single length of the decorative sheet 46 attached to theframe 16 and another portion of the first sheet 46 held in place byother means, such as another frame or gravity.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the rails 18 have chamfered ends 20, and therails 18 can be interlocked with each other using, for example, anL-shaped connector 39 attached to the rails 18 using bolts 40 asdescribed with reference to FIG. 11, a friction or snap fit, glue, orwelding. The rails 18 can be formed without chamfered ends 20, andwhether or not chamfered ends 20 are included can depend on, forexample, the shapes of the frame 16 and the individual rails 18. Eachrail 18 can be formed by extruded or molded metal or plastic, asexamples. As an alternative, the frame 16 can be formed as an integralbody, for example by integrally molding or casting the entire frame 16.

The rail 18 is shown in detail in FIG. 5, and it can have the same crosssectional shape as the rail 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, therail 18 in FIG. 5 can include a first flange 22 having an outer surface24 and an inner surface 26 and a second flange 28 having an outersurface 30 and an inner surface 32. The flanges 22 and 28 can be angledsuch that the inner surfaces 26 and 32 are oriented obliquely relativeto the first display area 42. The geometry of the flange 22 can dependon, for example, the weight of the first decorative sheet 46 and thetype of connection between the flange 22 and the decorative sheet 46,among other considerations. For example, alternatively to the surface 26illustrated in FIG. 5, the surface 26 can be perpendicular, parallel, oralternatively angled to the first display area 42. The size of thesurface 26 can be a function of the weight of the first sheet 46, forexample, to ensure the surface 26 provides a large enough area forattaching the sheet 46 to the frame 16.

While the second flange 28 can strengthen the rail 18 and provide asurface 32 for attaching an optional second decorative sheet 60 as shownin FIG. 5, in some applications only the first sheet 46 is attached tothe rail 18, in which cases the flange 28 need not be included. Ifincluded, the flange 28 need not be symmetrical with flange 22 and cantake other forms suitable for connecting the second decorative sheet 60based on the same considerations relevant to the geometry of the flange22.

Still referring to FIG. 5, a connector, illustrated as a ribbedprojection 34, extends outwardly from the rail 18 between the flanges 22and 28 such that the flanges 22 and 28 and ribbed projection 34 define agenerally W-shaped groove 35 extending inward between the flanges 22 and28. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ribbed projection 34 canfacilitate a snip-fit connection of an edge cover 54 to the rail 18.However, the connector can be an alternative structure for attaching theedge cover 54, such as a projection with a different shape or a grooveformed in the rail 18 between the flanges 22 and 28.

Referring to FIG. 5, the rail 18 can also define two componentconnecting channels 36 and 38 for connecting accessories such as theclamp 70 or the connecting beam 82. The channels 36 and 38 can be formedof opposing pairs of L-shaped extensions 36 a and 36 b and 38 a and 38b, respectively, as illustrated. Component connecting structures canhave alternative geometries to the illustrated channels 36 and 38. Forexample, a flange or a series of holes designed to accept screws can beincluded instead of one of the channels 36 or 38. As illustrated, onechannel 36 can be located opposite the W-shape groove 35, with thechannel 36 opening in the opposite direction as the groove 35 opens. Theother channel 38 can be located along the rail 18 between the W-shapedgroove 35 and the channel 36, and the channel 38 can open in a directionfacing away from the first display area 42. Alternatively, only one ormore than two channels can be included if desired. For example, a thirdchannel can be included opposing the channel 38 if desired.Alternatively, each rail 18 can be formed without either of the channels36 and 38. Also, an annular spacer 37 can be positioned between theclamp 70 and the channel 38 such that the clamp 70 can be coupled to thechannel 38 without creating an indentation in the sheet 60.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first sheet 46 can include an edge 52folded over the flange 22 and secured to the inner surface 26 of theflange 22, and the second sheet 60 can similarly include an edge 66folded over the flange 28 and secured to the inner surface 32 of theflange 28. One difference between the false ceiling 100 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 and the decorative display 10 as shown in FIG. 5 is thedirection in which the sheets 46 and 60 are tensioned when connected tothe rail 18. That is, the sheets 108 and 110 in the false ceiling 100are generally planar, while the sheets 46 and 60 in the decorativedisplay 10 are shown as parallel but spaced apart. The orientation ofthe sheets 46 and 60 in the decorative display 10 allows the sheets 46and 60 to be attached to other rails 18 in the same frame 16. However,the sheets 46 and 60 can be oriented at a different angle from shown inFIG. 5.

To secure the sheets 46 and 60 to the frame 16, a fabric attachingstructure such as strips of hook-and-loop tape 68 a can be attached tothe inner sides 26 and 32 of flanges 22 and 28, respectively, andcorresponding strips of hook-and-loop tape 68 b can be attached to edges52 and 66 of the first and second sheets 46 and 60, respectively, asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively, other types of fabric attachingstructures such as clips, snaps, adhesive, or double-sided tape can beused to connect the sheets 46 and 60 to the frame 16. Alternatively, theedges 52 and 66 can be attached to another portion of the frame 16. Thesheets 46 and 60 can similarly be attached to the other rails 18 of theframe 16.

The sheets 46 and 60 can be synthetic fabric, cotton, wool, leather, ablend, or another material suitable for the application. The outer sides48 and 62 of the sheets 46 and 60, respectively, can be includegraphics, for example, a company logo and/or product images, or betextured. The sheets 46 and 60 can be selected for their appearance,weight, sound dampening capabilities, fire retardant qualities, or otherqualities.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the edge cover 54 secured to the ribbedprojection 34. The edge cover 54 includes a decorative surface 56 andprongs 57 defining a groove 58 projecting from the opposing side of thecover 54 from the decorative surface 56. The decorative surface 56 canmatch the outside surface 48 of the sheet 46. The groove 58 can be sizedfor engagement with the ribbed projection 34 (i.e., the distance betweenthe prongs 57 can be slightly greater than a maximum width of the ribbedprojection 34), and each prong 57 can include a boss 59 for engagementwith the projection 34. The cover 54 can be shaped to engage the groove35 by including edges 61 chamfered at an angle corresponding to theangle of the inner surfaces 26 and 32 of the flanges 22 and 28 and bysizing the edge cover 54 such that the decorative surface 56 spans themaximum distance or another distance between the flanges 22 and 28.

The edge cover 54 can conceal the folded edges 52 and 66 of the firstand second decorative sheets 46 and 60, respectively, when connected tothe frame 16. The edge cover 54 can be installed by urging the ribbedprojection 34 between the prongs 57. When installed, portions of theedges 61 of the edge cover 54 abut the sheets 46 and 60, and thedecorative surface 56 forms a right angle relative to both sheets 46 and60. Alternatively, the edge cover 54 can include a different structurefor attaching to the frame 16. For example, the edge cover 54 can beU-shaped for engagement with the outer surfaces 24 and 30 of the flanges22 and 28, in which case prongs 57 are not necessary. A separate edgecover 54 can attach to each side of the frame 16, or a single edge covercan be shaped to conform to a profile of the frame 16.

A clamp 70 can be attached to one of the channels 36 or 38, with theclamp 70 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B attached to the channel 38. An exampleof the clamp 70 includes a U-shaped body 72 secured to the frame 16 witha bolt 71, a hinged portion 74 coupled to the body 72 by a hinge 76, aflange 78 on the hinged portion 74 defining a slot 79, and a handle 80screwed on a bolt 81 that is pivotally coupled to the body 72.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the clamp 70 can be closed by inserting the bolt 81into the slot 71 and tightening turning the handle 80 until the handle80 engages the flange 78, thereby urging the flange 78 against the body72. In the closed position, the clamp 70 can secure the frame 16 to atruss 12 or another structure as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7B,the clamp 70 can be disengaged from the truss 12 by loosening the handle80, sliding the bolt 81 out of the slot 79 to disengage the handle 80from the flange 78, and rotating the hinged portion 74 relative to thebody 72. As an alternative to engagement with one of the channels 36 and38, the clamp 70 can be attached at another position on the frame 16,for example by securing the clamp 70 to the frame 16 with a screw.Additionally, structures other than the clamp 70 can be used to attachthe frame 16 to the truss 12, for example a U-shaped bracket positionedaround the truss 12 and attached at each end to the frame 16. The clamp70 can also be used with other frames, e.g., the frame 102

A connecting beam 82 as illustrated in FIG. 8 can be used to attach twoframes 16 together as shown in FIG. 9. The connecting beam 82 can alsobe used to attach the frame 16 to a different structure. While theillustrated beam 82 is linear, the beam 82 can alternatively be curvedor have another non-linear shape. The connecting beam 82 can include anexpander joint 84 at each end for attachment with one of the channels 36and 38 on the frame 16. Specifically, the expander joint 84 can beinserted between the L-shaped flanges 38 a and 38 b of the channel 38 ina closed state. As an adjustment screw 86 is turned, two teeth 84 a and84 b separate as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, thereby engaging the beam82 with the channel 38 of the frame 16. The connecting beam 82 caninclude alternative connectors at each end, such as a snap-fitconnector, a bracket for accepting a screw, or another type ofconnector. The connecting beam 82 can also include grooves 90 along itssides. Grooves 90 can be similarly shaped and sized as channels 36 and38 for compatibility with the same sizes of clamps 70 and connectorbeams 82 that can be attached to the frame 16.

The connecting beam 82 can further include an angled flange 120. Theflange 120 can include a first portion 120 b attached to the connectingbeam 82 and a second portion 120 a angled relative to the connectingbeam 82 as is discussed below in reference to FIG. 9. The first portion120 b can be bonded, bolted, welded, or otherwise attached to theconnecting beam 82. The flange 120 can be formed by bending a piece ofsheet metal, molding plastic, or using another method. Alternatively,the connecting beam 82 and flange 120 can be formed integrally (e.g.,via extrusion).

A three-dimensional structure can be formed by attaching multiple frames16 a and 16 b with connecting beams 82 as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally,other structures can be formed by attaching multiple frames 16 withconnecting beams 82, such as multiple vertical walls defining a room.The sheet 46 can be secured to one of the frames 16 a in FIG. 9, extendalong the connecting beams 82, and be secured to the other frame 16 b.Alternatively, the sheet 46 can wrap around the frame 16 b, extend backalong the connecting beams 82, and attach to frame 16 a. Additionally,multiple sheets 46 and 60, for example, can be secured to the frames 16a and 16 b. The second portion 120 a of each flange 120 can extendbetween corners of the frames 16 a and 16 b to support any sheets offabric that extend between the frames 16 a and 16 b. That is, alongitudinal edge 120 c of the flange 120 can be aligned with corners ofthe frames 16 a and 16 b, thereby providing support for a sheet offabric extending between the frames 16 a and 16 b.

FIG. 10 shows the frame 16 attached to a pole 92 in a verticalconfiguration. In this orientation, both the first display area 42 and asecond display area 94 can be visible, and accordingly the sheet 46 canbe secured across the first display area 42 and the sheet 60 can besecured across the second display area 94 to create a double-sideddecorative display. Alternatively, a single sheet, e.g., sheet 46, canbe spread across the first display area 42, folded around the frame 16,and spread across the second display area 94. Edge covers 54 can beattached to each side of the frame 16.

FIG. 11 shows the L-shaped connector 39 and two rails 18. Each rail 18can define a hollow center 18 a. A side of each rail 18 opposite thechannel 38 can also define one or more apertures 19. The L-shapedconnector 39 can define one or more threaded apertures 39 a, and thethreaded apertures 39 a can be aligned with the apertures 19 defined byeach rail 18 when the connector 39 is inserted into the hollow center 18a of the rail 18. To aid in the alignment of the apertures 39 a and 19,the connector 39 can define a relief portion 39 b that is offset by aheight (as shown in FIG. 11) of the hollow center 18 a. Once theconnector 39 is inserted into the rail 18, the bolts 40 can be insertedthrough the apertures 19 and threaded into the apertures 39 a to createa positive connection between connector 39 and rails 18. Additionally,multiple bolts 40 can be used to decrease the likelihood of theconnector 39 and rail 18 becoming detached. As mentioned above, therails 18 can be attached using other structures.

Additional features not illustrated can also be included. For example,the edge cover 106 as shown in FIG. 1 can define an aperture, and atether can be tied at one end to the end cover 106 and at another end tothe truss 12 or the frame 102 in case the edge cover becomes detachedfrom the rail 104. Thus, the edge cover 106 can be attached to the truss12 with a positive tie line. A similar safety tether system can be usedon the frame 102 in the event the clamp 70 becomes detached from thetruss 12.

The above-described examples have been described in order to allow easyunderstanding of the invention and do not limit the invention. On thecontrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appendedclaims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so asto encompass all such modifications and equivalent structure as ispermitted under the law.

1. A frame for holding a sheet of fabric, the frame comprising: a railincluding a first flange and a second flange spaced from the firstflange, the rail defining a first connector extending an entire lengthof the rail between the first flange and the second flange.
 2. The frameof claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a snap-fit connector.3. The frame of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a ribbedprojection.
 4. The frame of claim 1, further comprising an edge coverattached to the rail with a snap-fit connection.
 5. The frame of claim4, wherein the edge cover defines a female snap-fit connector.
 6. Theframe of claim 1, wherein the rail defines at least one channel forconnecting an accessory to the frame.
 7. The frame of claim 6, whereinthe accessory includes at least one of a clamp for mounting the frame toa supporting structure and a connecting beam for connecting the frame toa second frame.
 8. The frame of claim 1, wherein the first flange andsecond flange are obliquely angled.
 9. A decorative display panelcomprising: a rail including a first flange, a second flange spaced fromthe first flange, and a first connector between the first flange and thesecond flange; and an edge cover snap-fit to the first connector. 10.The decorative display panel of claim 9, wherein the first flange andsecond flange are obliquely angled.
 11. The decorative display panel ofclaim 9, wherein the first connector includes a snap-fit connector. 12.The decorative display panel of claim 9, wherein the first connectorincludes a ribbed projection extending from the rail.
 13. The decorativedisplay panel of claim 9, wherein the first connector extends a lengthof the rail.
 14. The decorative display panel of claim 9, wherein therail defines at least one channel for connecting an accessory to theframe.
 15. The decorative display panel of claim 14, wherein theaccessory includes at least one of a clamp for mounting the frame to asupporting structure and a connecting beam for connecting the frame to asecond frame.
 16. The decorative display of claim of claim 9, furthercomprising a first decorative sheet connected to the first flange and asecond decorative sheet connected to the second flange.
 17. A falseceiling comprising: a rail defining a first flange, a second flangespaced from the first flange, and a first connector between the firstflange and the second flange; a first sheet connected to the firstflange; a second sheet connected to the second flange; and an edge coverdefining a second connector, the second connector engaged with the firstconnector.
 18. The false ceiling of claim 17, wherein the rail furtherdefines a channel for connecting at least one of a clamp and a beam tothe frame.
 19. The false ceiling of claim 17, wherein the firstconnector is snap-fit to the second connector.
 20. The false ceiling ofclaim 17, wherein the rail defines a longitudinal axis and wherein thefirst connector extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 21. The falseceiling of claim 20, wherein the first connector extends an entirelength of the rail.
 22. The false ceiling of claim 17, wherein thesecond connector includes two spaced hooked cantilevers.
 23. The falseceiling of claim 22, wherein the hooked cantilevers extend an entirelength of the edge cover.